Guidance Department

*College Planning Calendar*

JUNIOR YEAR
• Develop a tentative list of colleges.
• Sign up to meet with college representatives in Guidance.
• Register for SAT I and/or ACT spring testing dates. Get info in guidance.
• Have you used extended time testing option in school? If so, see your counselor to see if you are eligible for extended time testing for SAT's or Act’s.
• Participate in school trips to college fairs- See Guidance for details
• Are you eligible for a fee waiver for the SAT's and Act’s? Check with your counselor
• Work with your counselor in creating a list of 3-5 colleges
• Use the list of college websites to help you get information and to narrow choices

SUMMER BETWEEN JUNIOR AND SENIOR YEAR
•This is the time to visit college campuses!!!
• If you are unhappy with your spring SAT/ACT test scores, study over the summer on your own or take a course.

SEPTEMBER OF SENIOR YEAR
• Bring your list of colleges to your counselor. Make sure there are “reach,” “possible,” and “safe” choices. Create a list of 3-5 colleges.
• If you are auditioning for a fine arts school, let your counselor know.
• Schedule interviews for schools where they are required or recommended.
• Sign up for a second round of SAT or ACT tests, unless you are happy with your score.
• Create your college resume with your counselor in English classes.
• Continue to meet with college representatives. Sign up in the Counseling Office.

OCTOBER OF SENIOR YEAR
• YOU SHOULD HAVE YOUR COLLEGES PICKED OUT BY NOW!
• Begin to fill out applications. USE BLACK INK. FOLLOW DIRECTIONS!
• Take the college essay seriously. Give yourself time to write a thoughtful and interesting essay. Ask teachers to help you and to proofread.
• Early decision/early action deadlines can be as soon as October.
• All applications MUST be sent to guidance where they are sent to the colleges.
• Ask teachers to write recommendations for you. Give them a two-month notice.
• Fill our transcript request form in guidance for each of your applications.

NOVEMBER OF SENIOR YEAR
• Finish college visits and interviews.
• Be aware of college application deadlines.
• Continue to work on your applications.
• Complete SAT/ACT testing
• be aware of college application deadlines
• Obtain financial aid forms from guidance or online.
• Complete remaining college applications on time.
• Investigate and apply for LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS. Check in guidance.

JANUARY OF SENIOR YEAR
• Apply for financial aid! The FAFSA form is available online and in guidance. Applications will be accepted after January 1st.
• Remember, financial aid is first come first serve! Also talk to your colleges about any forms that you have to fill out for the school for financial aid as well as for their scholarships. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE YOUR TAXES; it is more important to get your information in as soon as possible.

FEBRUARY OF SENIOR YEAR
• Investigate and apply for LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS. Check in guidance.
• PARENTS: you can come in to guidance and obtain info on scholarships

MARCH OF SENIOR YEAR
• Continue to investigate and apply for LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS. Check in guidance.

APRIL OF SENIOR YEAR
• Colleges will let you know about acceptances or rejections in March/April. Let your counselor know.

MAY OF SENIOR YEAR
• Fill out paperwork and mail your deposit for the college you plan to attend.

JUNE OF SENIOR YEAR: GRADUATE!!!!!